South Portland residents react to revaluation notice
Process, started in 2019, was delayed by the pandemic.
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SOUTH PORTLAND A letter informing residents of an impending citywide property revaluation that could increase tax bills prompted some to express frustrations during South Portland City Council’s April 6 meeting.
The letter from City Manager Scott Morelli on March 22 said that the finalization of the revaluation could cause residential property owners to see tax bill increases of 10 percent, 20 percent or 30 percent if the mill rate of the city budget were to remain flat.
“This process has been underway since 2019 to update residential and commercial property citywide as required by state constitution and the law,” Morelli said on April 6. “This is an administrative function by the assessor who is an agent of the state of Maine and so it’s not really subject to any council vote or part of the budget process. It’s just something that happens.”
South Portland residents up in arms about expected jump in property taxes
Several said the citywide revaluation and resulting tax increases could drive retirees and middle-class owners out of their homes.
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Well over a dozen South Portland residents told city councilors Tuesday that an expected sharp increase in property tax bills following a citywide revaluation could make it difficult for retirees, middle-class homeowners and residents living on fixed incomes to remain in their homes.
Tuesday night’s hearing followed City Manager Scott Morelli’s letter to homeowners two weeks ago warning them to brace for sticker shock following the revaluation.